634x258 Dugout Discussion
26 June 2014 3877 comments
Paul Paul
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We reach the end of the group stages of Brazil 2014 this evening as the last 16 match-ups are finalised. Group G gets us up and running at 5pm and with all four of the teams still in with a shout of progressing, Fantasy managers will be hoping there’s less chance of rest and rotation. Germany face up to USA and Portugal square up to a Ghana side devoid of Kevin Prince-Boateng and Sulley Muntari after both players were sent home for disciplinary reasons earlier today:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Muller, Podolski

USA: Howard; Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Beckerman; Davis, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

Joachim Low makes a couple of changes from the side that drew with Ghana. The Germany manager brings in Bastian Schweinsteiger for Sami Khedira in the centre of the park, while Lukas Podolski comes in for Mario Gotze in the front three. Thomas Muller owners will be looking for more of the same, after the Bayern man notched three goals and an assist in the opening couple of matches, whilst those holding Mesut Ozil will be desperate for an improvement after a couple of patchy displays so far.

Jurgen Klinsmann also makes two alterations as he attempts to get the better of his native country. Omar Gonzalez replaces Geoff Cameron in central defence, whilst Brad Davis gets the nod ahead of Alejandro Bedoya on the right flank – Clint Dempsey is looking to score for the third successive match, though the likes of Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi also offer a threat from the attacking midfield positions.

Portugal: Beto; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Veloso; W Carvalho, Moutinho, Amorim; Nani, Eder, Ronaldo

Ghana: Dauda; Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah; Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu; Atsu, Waris, A Ayew; Gyan

Paulo Bento welcomes Pepe back from suspension for the vital game with Ghana, as Ricardo Costa drops out to accommodate the Real Madrid man at centre-half. The Portugal boss makes three further changes, drafting in William Carvalho, Ruben Amorim and Eder for Andre Almeida, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga – the former two look set to be installed in the middle, with Miguel Veloso shifting to left-back. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, though, as he looks to get his goal account finally up and running and fire his side into the last 16.

Prince-Boateng and Muntari’s omissions are the only two changes from Kwesi Appiah after a very encouraging draw with Germany. Udinese player Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu comes into the double-pivot to replace Muntari, whilst the highly-rated Abdul Majeed Waris is tucked in behind Asaomoah Gyan up top. Andrew Ayew, with a goal in both group games so far, looks the major threat for the Africans once again.

Later on, Belgium go head-to-head with South Korea as Marc Wilmots’ side look to end the group stages with a 100% record. Bearing in mind they’re already through, though, there’s a fear that we could see a number of changes from the Europeans in this one, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne owners hoping they’ll keep their places in the starting XI. Up top, Wilmots may well omit Romelu Lukaku from his line-up after subbing off the Chelsea man in each of the first two games, whilst at the back, Belgium are set to be without both Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen through injury.

Those defensive concerns will afford the Koreans optimism and with three goals in their first two matches, they present a definite threat to Thibaut Courtois’ clean sheet prospects. The highly-rated Son Heung-min grabbed his first of the tournament in Matchday 2 and, having netted 10 times for Leverkusen in the previous Bundesliga campaign, carries the main threat for Hon Myung-bo’s side.

Despite scoring once and picking up a single point in their opening two matches, Russia are still in with a shout of making the last 16. A win against Algeria, coupled with a Belgian triumph over South Korean, will take Fabio Capello’s side through – Alexander Kokorin looks their best chance of netting, though Alexander Kerzhakov will be hoping for his first start after climbing off the bench in the first pair of fixtures.

After an emphatic 4-2 win over South Korea, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side will approach this one with little fear. Islam Slimani, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Sofiane Feghouli have all served up a goal and assist in the first two fixtures and will fancy their chances of picking up further returns against an unconvincing backline that has been breached in both their opening matches.

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  1. Walrus Eggs
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Here's the percent chance of a CS in the next round for all 16 teams, from the most favorable (betting on a CS) odds from oddschecker. I usually at least glance at the odds, but I haven't seen them nicely consolidated anywhere.

    Germany 53
    France 50
    Argentina 45
    Belgium 45
    Brazil 42
    Colombia 42
    Costa Rica 42
    Netherlands 38
    Greece 36
    Uruguay 25
    Mexico 25
    USA 22
    Nigeria 17
    Switzerland 15
    Chile 14
    Algeria 10

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    1. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks, those with triple Germany defense in mind for Fox will look favourably upon that list...

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        😎

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      2. Walrus Eggs
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I tend to agree with Germany being the highest, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'll get even one German. Germany vs France in the quarters is not appealing at all. But triple Germany is a good idea for those wildcarding after one week. But IMO, wildcarding after one week is a differential, highly risky proposition. I'll be playing it safe and aiming for a top 50 type finish, hoping that those ahead of me don't have the discipline to be boring.

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    2. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Argentina....? Hmmm not sure about their high ranking, Brazil either. I'm staying away from their defences going forward.

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      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Except for Rojo in McD ofcourse. He's bargain-a-licious..!

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    3. Koflok
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting to see Argentina up that high. Can understand Brazil.
      And Costa Rica 42%? 😉

      Putting my money into them

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    4. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      hmm Germany....

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    5. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      USA will smash Belgium 😎

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    6. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks mate, really helpful

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  2. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    TRANSFER MARKET WILL BE OPENED IN

    00 Days 00 Hours 04 Minute 18 Seconds

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      im pretty sure this is wrong

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    2. Keepergirl
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Strange question marks beside eliminated players in McD
      Means what?
      Rules seem a bit unclear

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      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        you can transfer in players who have been knocked out, however they obviously wont score points

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  3. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    30 seconds till the markets open. 😀

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  4. Kroos Kontrol
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Wow, best ever figures for me. :')

    390th in the world (363).

    150 this week. 90th in the world.

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    1. Kroos Kontrol
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      #McD btw.

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    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Nice Man! not playing for Germany paid after all!

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      1. Kroos Kontrol
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Hahaha. 😀

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  5. Shakshuka
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    .... Aaand Yaya is out of my team!

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  6. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Transfer market is now open. 😀

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  7. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    ITS OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀

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  8. Zep
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Random observations..

    Mexico are the only undefeated team not to win their group...

    Russia are the only team to have drawn 2 games...

    Group B was the only group without a draw...

    I have way too much time on my hands...

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    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      noting your last point..can you make a list of defenders who made the highest no. of crosses?

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    2. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      😀

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    3. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      don't we all zep 😀

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  9. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Rookie question: Prices haven't changed, have they?

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      rookies wouldn't even consider it a possibility 😉

      nup

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      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks man

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  10. President John F. Keninnsie
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Bye Von Bergen, thanks for nothing!

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  11. Kroos Kontrol
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    If i remove the cheapies (1.0/2.0) who are eliminated, can I sign them back?

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  12. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    You can pick players from the eliminated teams. This makes easy then.

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    1. pundit of punts
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      *makes it

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    2. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Actually The CostaRicans are pretty cheap! I'm bringing in one of their defenders.

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  13. @FPLMason
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A) J-Rod, De Vrij and Varane
    B) Cuadrado + ANY 2 german defenders

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  14. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Honestly, I don't think France are going to keep Nigeria out, I reckon they'll put one or 2 past Lloris. High scoring game methinks

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      hmm this could happen...Nigeria have looked dangerous post-Iran

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    2. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      3-1 or 2-1 imo

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      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Exactly 🙂

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  15. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    No football today...! 😯

    http://i.imgur.com/BC3jX.gif

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  16. Willis.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Fox... Anyone NOT going with a front 7 of Mueller, Robben, JRod, Cuadrado, Benzema, Neymar, Messi?

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    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Going with that Front line, but in my MF i'm going with Muller,Robben, GOTZE and Cuadrado
      I think Cuadrado over J-Rod wouldbe more beneficial since it would allow me to get 2 German defenders

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      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        hmm gotze could be a good option

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        1. Willis.
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          No he isn't lol. Gotze is a rubbish player

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          1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            😯

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    2. Walrus Eggs
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      That'll be 7 of my 8, though I think I'm benching Cuadrado for Valbuena in the round of 16.

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    3. slugga
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      i have valbuena instead of cuadrado

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    4. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Valbuena instead of Cuadrado!

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    5. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Might go for someone else instead of Cuadrado.

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  17. @FPLMason
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Four Germans, Three dutch, Two Costa Ricans, Two algerians, and one player apiece from Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. And I predicted a Brazil vs Argentina final before the WC!

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    1. Keepergirl
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Remind me...in McD can we sub players in and out until the transfer market closes? Or does this all have to be worked out on paper until we know what our "final" team will be?

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    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      ive still got 3 argentina, 2 brazil and 2 colombia. just 2 dutch and 0 germans.. need to rethink the german bit

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  18. slugga
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    who does everyone have as captain on FOX?

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    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Muller

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  19. Zep
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Benzema or Robben?

    Have Valbuena but no other Dutch attacking coverage...

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      benz

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    2. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Same dilemma... Leaning toward Benzema.

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    3. slugga
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      its a tough one, im thinking messi or muller

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    4. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Can you drop Valbuena and get Robbena dn Benz?

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      1. Zep
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        McD's, so not an option to have both...

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        1. Arvin-ation
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Then I'd leave Benzema out. I'd be worried without Robben/RVP. Especially since you already have Valbuena.
          Problem is I reckon France/Nigeria is going to be one of the highest scoring games of the round 😆

          Not helping am I......Give Sneidjer any thought?

          Stick with Benz for now

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    5. United come on!
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Benz

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    6. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Benzema imo...

      Have you done all my work for me, Zep? 😀

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    7. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      benzema

      Mexico looked good defensively

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  20. Toonzie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Di Maria, Oscar, Kroos

    Pick two for McD thanks

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    1. United come on!
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Di Maria, and Oscar.

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  21. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    is karnezis still injured?

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  22. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    origi in fox as a 150k mid? very interesting option imo

    came on for the last 30 mins today, looked dangerous...should start v usa

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    1. Willis.
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cuadrado is better for the same price...

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  23. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Made my team and out of 23 players have only 2 non-playing players! and .5 balance in the bank..now lets see how many times will I tweak it..

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  24. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Just realised the mids in McDs are horrible 😯 . Didn't make a proper team the last time round, so hadn;t realised till now 😆

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    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe 433 is the way to go

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      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        5-2-3 have been great option :/

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    2. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      yeah, I realised the same. I'll probably go for 5-6 price bracket with the likes of Cuardado, Valbuena, KDB as a core, filled with Bentaleb and some other cheapos

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I know and yet I've still ended on 3-4-3 for 2/3 weeks.

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  25. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Neymar - Messi and... Benzema / Robben / RVP ?

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    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Benz

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    2. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      what about mueller?

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  26. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Picking defence is the difficult part here.... 😕
    Rojo, Manolas, Blind...but who else.

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    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Howedes, Duarte

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      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        this... that's the defense all done for me

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    2. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      1 German is a must for me - leaning towards Boateng/Howedes

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    3. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Halliche

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  27. United come on!
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    My McD team: 4-3-3

    Cillissen/ Karnezis/ Mbolhi

    Mertersacker/ Rojo/ van Buyten/ Duarte/ Sakho/ Halliche/ Mesbah

    Oscar/ di Maria/ Cuadrado/ Valbuena/ Betaleb/ 1.5/ 1/ 1

    Neymar/ Messi/ Benzema/ Mueller/ Djabou.

    Any suggestion? Tks.

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I actually love this team!

      Though I'd drop one of Benz/Muller to someone cheaper - leaning towards Vargas myself - and upgrade somewhere else

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      1. United come on!
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Tks Juan. Will consider it.

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    2. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      expensive frontline. trying to decide if I will go all four of those or if not, which one to drop

      no James Rodriguez? 😕

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      1. United come on!
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, but because the mid limitation, I think that's the way to go.

        Is he a must have? I didnt watch Colombia. No idea how he has played.

        I can swap Oscar for him.

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        1. bunnyrampage
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          He is a must-have. He's been the most consistent mid, with a goal in each game so far.

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    3. Jebus Saves
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Quite similar to mine.

      I think most points will come from defence this round....so i'd drop one of Benz/Mueller (tough i know!) and upgrade Bentaleb or Mesbah.

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  28. Blue Lion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    When will Fox update baps and bench points?

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      within the hour

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  29. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    who will be the starting GK for Greece?

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      karnezis

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      1. LewanGOALski
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        if fit...

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  30. Shakshuka
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Anybody got a link for the setpieces article? Thanks

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